ARTA Chief urges genuine public service at Iloilo EODB Fair
By Manny Regalado Alcalde
“Let our people feel that all of us, government workers, are sincerely there to serve… then and only then can we say that we have successfully done our job as public servants.”
This was the reminder of Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Secretary General Ernesto V. Perez, who underscored that real public service means government workers are duty-bound to serve those in need, guided by laws enacted to ensure efficient service delivery.
Perez was the special guest at the Grand Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Fair and Program held in Iloilo City on May 25–26, 2026. The event gathered around 25 national government agencies (NGAs), which set up service booths at the Iloilo Terminal Market Mall to assist citizens with government and business transactions.
Anchored on Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, the program aims to streamline, standardize, and digitize government services, eliminate red tape, and reduce processing times. Under the law, agencies and local government units must process transactions within strict timeframes: 3 days for simple transactions, 7 days for complex transactions, and 20 days for highly technical transactions.
Perez reminded agencies to publish clear step-by-step guides on requirements, fees, and processing times, implement automated tracking systems, and maintain zero backlogs.
The Provincial Government of Iloilo, represented by Ms. Aulynn Yue Sin, formalized its commitment through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between ARTA and the Provincial One Stop Shop (POSS) to fast-track provincial services.
Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Trenas-Chu affirmed that the city government observes EODB timeframes in releasing business permits. She noted the strong presence of regional directors at the fair and stressed the city’s vigilance in preventing violations of ARTA guidelines.
Participating agencies included the PIA, PSA, DICT, BIR, DSWD, DTI, DOH, SSS, PhilHealth, DFA, BFP, PCIC, LTO, and others.
Perez concluded by urging agencies to extend their services to the grassroots level, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for government officials to “go down to the people” and let citizens feel the government’s presence through dedicated and honest service.
A ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also signed between ARTA and West Visayas State University (WVSU) to integrate EODB topics into the core instruction of the Master in Public Administration program, represented by Dr. Bonna S. Alma and Dr. Reymund B. Flores, alongside ARTA Western Visayas Chief Administrative Officer Ms. Josephine Venus D. Castillo.
